The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-07-02
Written for The .ArkdnSdW 1rupeLer.
 Widows Rock.
BY W. F.. SLOSSON.

The stage rolled up to the tavern in Red Gulch as the sun was setting be- hind the rugged peaks of the range on the other side of the East Fork. A German of middle age came to the door with white apron on. His features assumed business-l like smile of welcome as the three occupants of the numbering vehicle alighted. How ever the landlord was destined to have but one of the three men as a guest, for, of the other two, Jack kawson did not hesitate moment, but at once struck the trail over the Fork for the shanty on the claim owned by three others and himself Jack had been to Boise City, and, in exchange for one hundred and ten ounces of pure gold dust had received the sum of twenty-siX hundred and forty dollars, all in new ten and twenty dollar gold pieces, direct from the San Francisco mint. This precious metal was the result of two months arduous labor, and was turned into money at the time as gold was at premium. After lively discussion as to where this metal should be cached, or hid, it was decided to store it under "Widow's Rock" huge boulder perched alone on the edge of the Gulch. Rawson demurred at first to this disposition of the money as the location was conspicuous, but finally agreed with the rest, so the gold was hid under Widows Rock.
 To return to the tavern. The second occupant of the stage was an old man of once fine physique, but now his bent form had yielded to the touch of time He was quiet person who trusted no one but himself. He preferred to live alone. So he "grubbed" six days ill the week on the ledge. on the side of the mountain, in his own fashion in the hope of striking quartz vein. Once in great while the old man found pocket, but never found the much-desired true Assure vein. The boys in the camp called him the "Fee- losopher," as in his very sparse con- versation with any one in relation to his expectations he would "base his opinion on the indications of the trend of the ledge," etc.
 "Trend' was too much for the hard working miners so they gave him up and agreed that he was d "feelosifer." :" They also agreed that no honest man would bunk alone in those days of vigilantes and hanging bees, so they kept an eye on him.
 
 On the other hand the old man let them alone, and on Sundays came down to the tavern and, after very few commonplace remarks with the German host, would invariably seat himself on the porch and gaze over at Widows Rock, and mutter unintel- ligible words. Once in a while he would go over to Widows Rock and closely inspect it and return to the porch and shake his head. These little excursions seemed more frequent after Jack Rawson's mates had cached their treasure there.
 The third and last occupant of the stage was "tender- foot" or in other words fresh arrival from the states.
 He was young man of about four and twenty. His stature was over six feet, while his weight could not have been more than one hundred and thirty pounds. His physical appear ance, therefore, excited some ridicule Eyes, mild, clear and blue, surrounded by almost imperceptible eyebrows shone over nose that inclined to turn up at the end and then, as if indig- nant at this indication of insignifi- canoe, boldly protruded at the bridge and above that again retreated to joir rather high forehead. Over large mouth the first evidence of approach. ing manhood was discovered in thir and embryonic moustache. His clothes were we'll worn; the sleeves and pantaloon legs trifle short. He wore the large broad -brimmed felt ha, common in mining localities, so that the local community would see that he was in fashion. He registered hi, name on the landlords account bool as Felix Mitchell, Otterville, III. say account book for on the opposit, page the landlord kept the account, with his patrons. Sundry charges fol drinks, tobacco, picks, bars, shovels candles, etc., denoted his thrift.
 'sYou ish the states von?''
 "Yes," said Felix.
 "Vy you come here out?"
 sg .Uyya com0 ont t0 take my cha ancos